Information and Communications Technology

Transforming technology across the ICT sector

Ontario is home to over 22,000 firms, in key cities like Toronto, Waterloo, and Ottawa, which puts us among the top 5 most concentrated tech markets globally. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to advanced software and hardware systems, Ontario firms offer scalable, high-performing technologies to help you gain a competitive edge.

Ontario’s history of innovation spans from developing the first smartphone to pioneering the world’s first GIS system, to developing IMAX motion picture technology, and inventing the smart thermostat. Today, the province continues to make transformative advancements across the ICT sector, delivering cutting-edge solutions.

Securing global supply chains with trusted expertise

Ontario businesses excel at optimizing supply chains by leveraging transparency, ethical practices, and innovative solutions, ensuring resilience and security in an increasingly digital landscape. By adhering to stringent cybersecurity standards, including Canada’s CyberSecure Canada Certification, they safeguard critical operations from evolving threats, delivering secure products and services to global markets. With annual exports exceeding $9 billion in ICT products and services, Ontario has earned a trusted reputation and proven ability to meet global demand efficiently.

The province’s ICT sector thrives on a highly skilled, globally competitive workforce representing over 150 countries and speaking more than 200 languages. This diverse talent pool brings unparalleled expertise and cultural awareness, enabling Ontario businesses to offer solutions that resonate across international markets. With 13,000 km of railway, 30 ports, and 4 international airports which support 15 free trade agreements granting access to 51 countries, Ontario companies are reliable partners. Our businesses work hard in safeguarding operations and ensuring timely delivery of essential components in today’s interconnected economy.

Who’s here

International and home-grown companies are thriving in Ontario among thousands of startups and mid-sized companies who are innovating everyday with strengths in software, robotics and AI and cyber security.

• Amazon
• AMD
• BlueDot
• CMC
• Cohere
• Cyber Canada
• Ericsson
• Google
• IBM
• Nokia
• Microsoft
• Magnet Forensics
• Nvidia
• OpenText
• Oracle
• SAP
• Shopify
• Xanadu

Advancing AI for tomorrow

Ontario stands at the forefront of artificial intelligence with more than 400 AI organizations, and the world-renowned Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence. Under the guidance of Geoffrey Hinton—the “godfather of AI” and 2024 Nobel Prize winner in physics—Vector leads groundbreaking research in machine and deep learning and is producing commercially available applications every day.

Whether it’s enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing logistics, or improving predictive capabilities, Ontario’s AI-driven solutions provide the next-generation technology you need to stay competitive in an increasingly automated global market.

Innovating with current and future generations

Ontario boasts one of the most educated talent pools in the world, with 74% of working adults holding post-secondary degrees—the highest rate among OECD countries. Each year, 47 universities and colleges produce over 70,000 STEM graduates, equipping them to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Ontario is also home to cutting-edge research and innovation hubs, including the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing and the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute, as well as Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University, which addresses cybersecurity challenges through policy innovation, specialized education programs, and a dedicated accelerator. Our universities and colleges foster an environment of collaboration through close partnerships with 49 leading tech incubators and accelerators, such as Communitech in Waterloo and MaRS Discovery in Toronto. As a result, Ontario’s workforce remains at the forefront of the ICT sector, ready to help push your solutions into the global market.